I always like to think I can protect, care for and look after my loved ones whatever happens. Maybe its a male thing or maybe it's just me. But when you step inside a hospital door you need to leave it to the pros. And – fuck me – they are amazing.

The health service sometimes gets a slating and we had one or two unfortunate experiences throughout the pregnancy but when we got to the business end and our baby decided to make an entrance, the pros got down to work and made extraordinary things look normal. Without exception all the people who helped us were calm, calming and incredibly skillful. Even the hot anaesthetist who looked like she was ready to hit up Oceana (Watford's premier night spot), complete with full make up and...er...red wellies.

We had a very beautiful baby girl and we all stayed over at the hospital for a couple of days to allow N to recover from the C-section (our baby was breech). In this time we were cared for by many people but not least Elaine who seemed to love her job more than most and would be happy to chat, share her own experiences and alleviate our fears. Maybe some people might say that she was just doing her job, but it was the way that she did it that made us feel special. Elaine is such a happy person and her outlook on life is refreshingly positive. The perfect Lucky Person!

Once our family were settled back at home, I returned to the hospital with a thank you card for the maternity ward and a Wearelucky initiation for Elaine. I've tried (and failed!) a number of times to convince nurses to take part in my little project, so I was double chuffed when Elaine contacted me to accept.

Questions & Answers

1. What were your first thoughts and feelings when propositioned with Wearelucky?

Initially very sceptical. Is it a hoax/scam? It's too good to be true. I had to look twice at the card as this sort of thing never happens to me.

2. What have you decided to do with the money?

I am giving it to someone who is so deserving of some good luck of her own. She has had a life of giving and helping others with minimal recognition and often she's been taken advantage of in the process. She retired from her profession at 70 years old and has always done a huge amount of work for the MacMillian Hospice/Nurses and is the full-time carer of her husband now, so you could say she has never really retired.

3. Is it better to make a small impact on a big problem or a big impact on a small problem?

Just make an impact everyday, in your own way. A smile and a thank you mean so much and cost nothing.

4. Do you feel that being involved is important to the giving process?

Yes, because it just grows and grows like a snowball and feels so good.

5. Is it important to get something back and why?

No, you should never make a kind gesture with the expectation of getting something back in return. It genuinely comes from the heart and needs no reward.

6. Why do you think we feel good about doing something for others?

I would like to say human nature, but not everyone is the same. You have givers and you have takers. Personally, the feel good factor I get is indescribable.

7. What question should I be asking you and what would you like to ask We Are Lucky?

Why me? But thank you so much.

Elaine
Mad Midwife
Monday 20th August 2012, Watford

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You have givers and you have takers. Personally, the feel good factor I get is indescribable.